10 Embarrassing Moments That Defined LIV Golf’s Short History

Including Bryson DeChambeau Being Attacked by a RopeLIV Golf is in Indianapolis this week for the final event of its 2026 season — and quite possibly the last event of its existence.While the Saudi-funded league works behind the scenes to secure new funding and potentially survive into next year, its players are wrapping up what has been an embarrassing stretch.

Millions of dollars will still be handed out on Sunday, champagne will be sprayed, and short-lived memories will be made.As LIV Golf limps toward a possible end, here are the 10 saddest (and most cringeworthy) moments since its launch in 2022.

1. Bryson DeChambeau Gets Attacked by a Rope (LIV Golf Chicago, 2022)

This list has to start with one of the most viral — and absurd — moments in recent golf history. During the final round of LIV Golf Chicago in 2022, Bryson DeChambeau was trying to return to the fairway when a rope caught him and sent him tumbling to the ground. The clip went viral immediately and still resurfaces regularly because of how ridiculous it is.

2. A Flash Mob Kicks Off LIV Golf London (2023)

One of LIV Golf’s strangest slogans has always been “Golf, but louder.” In 2023, the league took the concept to a new level of awkwardness when a flash mob broke out on the first tee before the opening round in London. It played out exactly as cringey as expected.

3. Phil Mickelson Gets Embarrassed by Anthony Kim (2024)

One of the nicer storylines of the LIV era was the return of Anthony Kim after a 12-year absence. In the first round of his second event back, Kim carded a 76 — better than only one player in the field. That player was Phil Mickelson, who opened with an 80 and finished tied for 52nd out of 54 players.

4. Talor Gooch Compares LIV Atmosphere to the Ryder Cup (2022)

After his Four Aces team won LIV Golf Portland, Talor Gooch delivered one of the most tone-deaf comments of the league’s early days:

“I haven’t played a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, but I can’t imagine there’s a whole hell of a lot of difference. This was as cool as it gets.”

The internet has never let him forget it.

5. LIV Announcers Mock Reports of Financial Trouble (That Later Proved True)

Before LIV Golf Mexico City in April 2026, reports emerged that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia was preparing to cut off funding. Announcers Arlo White and David Feherty dismissed the stories on air as “greatly exaggerated” and “absolute nonsense.” Those reports turned out to be completely accurate.

6. Scott O’Neil’s Tone-Deaf Response to Unpaid Vendors

Earlier this week it was reported that multiple contractors and vendors are owed significant money by LIV Golf. One company, Fresh Tape Media, is suing for $1.23 million. When asked about it, CEO Scott O’Neil offered a vague and unsatisfying reply about hoping to “do right by them” while noting that “for the next generation, it will certainly be a different business.”

7. Bryson DeChambeau Throws a Fit Over Course Conditions (LIV Golf Mexico City, 2026)

DeChambeau had another highly public meltdown when he yelled at a rules official over the condition of the greenside rough after a bunker shot. His frustrated comments — “You got destroyed grass… oh this is rough” and “Guys this is what we’re playing on apparently!” — did neither him nor the league any favors.

8. Phil Mickelson’s Overconfident “Long Game of Chess” Tweet (2023)

Mickelson has produced plenty of questionable social media posts, but this 2023 tweet stands out in hindsight:

“Stating facts isn’t whining and I don’t care if LIV ever gets points. This is move 6 in a long game of chess. You won’t believe moves 32-37. That’s when it gets REALLY good.”

Those later moves never arrived.

9. Jon Rahm Gets Mad at Fans for Being Loud (LIV Golf UK, 2024)

Despite the league’s “Golf, but louder” branding, Jon Rahm grew visibly agitated and stared down a rowdy fan on the 16th hole at LIV Golf UK in 2024. The moment highlighted the disconnect between the product LIV promotes and how some of its biggest stars actually prefer to play.

10. Sergio Garcia’s Club-Smashing Meltdown at the Masters (2026)

This one didn’t happen at a LIV event, but it remains one of the ugliest moments involving a LIV player. After a poor tee shot in the final round of the 2026 Masters, Sergio Garcia slammed his driver into the ground and then broke the club against a cooler. A rules official issued him a code-of-conduct warning. The outburst was especially jarring at Augusta National.

As LIV Golf closes out its 2026 season in Indianapolis, these moments serve as a fitting (if painful) summary of a turbulent and often awkward chapter in professional golf.

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